1.Sanren Runchang Formula Regulates Brain-gut Axis to Treat IBS-C: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Teng LI ; Xinrong FAN ; He YAN ; Zhuozhi GONG ; Mengxi YAO ; Na YANG ; Yuhan WANG ; Huikai HU ; Wei WEI ; Tao LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):154-161
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy of Sanren Runchang formula in treating constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C) by regulating the brain-gut axis and the effects of the formula on serum levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), and substance P (SP). MethodsA randomized controlled design was adopted, and 72 IBS-C patients meeting Rome Ⅳ criteria were randomized into observation and control groups (36 cases).The observation group received Sanren Runchang formula granules twice daily, and the control group received lactulose oral solution daily for 4 weeks. IBS Symptom Severity Scale (IBS-SSS), IBS Quality of Life Scale (IBS-QOL), and Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS) were used to assess clinical symptoms, and bowel movement frequency was recorded. The Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) were employed to evaluate psychological status. ELISA was employed to measure the serum levels of 5-HT, VIP, and SP. ResultsThe total response rate in the observation group was 91.67% (33/36), which was higher than that (77.78%, 28/36) in the control group (χ2=4.50, P<0.05). After treatment, both groups showed increased defecation frequency and BSFS scores, decreased IBS-SSS total score, abdominal pain and bloating scores, IBS-QOL health anxiety, anxiety, food avoidance, and behavioral disorders scores, SAS and SDS scores, serum 5-HT and VIP levels, and increased SP levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). Moreover, the observation group showed more significant changes in the indicators above than the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01). The SP level showed no significant difference between the two groups. During the 4-week follow-up, the recurrence rate was 5.88% in the observation group and 31.25% in the control group. No adverse events occurred in observation group, and 2 cases of mild diarrhea occurred in the control group. ConclusionSanren Runchang formula demonstrated definitive efficacy in alleviating gastrointestinal symptoms and improving the psychological status and quality of life in IBS-C patients, with a low recurrence rate. The formula can regulate serum levels of neurotransmitters such as 5-HT and VIP, suggesting its potential regulatory effect on the brain-gut axis through modulating neurotransmitters and neuropeptides. However, its complete mechanism of action requires further investigation through detection of additional brain-gut axis-related biomarkers.
2.Establishment and Evaluation of New Mouse Model of Rheumatoid Arthritis Combined with Interstitial Lung Disease
Liting XU ; Qingyu ZHAO ; Chao YANG ; Lianhua HE ; Congcong SUN ; Shuangrong GAO ; Lili WANG ; Chunfang LIU ; Na LIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):81-90
ObjectiveTo establish a mouse model of rheumatoid arthritis with interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD) in DBA/1 mice using Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) infection combined with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), and to comprehensively evaluate pathological characteristics in joints, lungs, and serum. MethodsForty DBA/1 mice were randomly divided into four groups, i.e., Control, Pg infection (Pg), CIA, and Pg infection combined with CIA (Pg+CIA), with 10 mice in each group. Arthritis clinical symptoms were evaluated by recording arthritis incidence and clinical scores. Micro-CT scanning was used to assess knee joint pathology. Histopathological changes and collagen deposition in knee joints and lung tissues were analyzed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson staining. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect protein expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), typeⅠ collagen (ColⅠ), and fibronectin (FN) in lung tissues. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR)was used to measure mRNA expression levels of α-SMA, ColⅠ, FN, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-1β in lung tissues. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum levels of Pg, cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP), and immunoglobulin G (IgG). ResultsJoint lesions: The CIA and Pg+CIA groups showed 100% arthritis incidence, with evident joint redness, swelling, and deformity. The number of affected limbs was 27 and 28, and clinical scores were 68 and 70, respectively. No obvious clinical symptoms were observed in the Pg group. Histopathological and imaging analyses showed severe joint lesions in the CIA and Pg+CIA groups, with significantly increased histopathological scores, bone mineral density, bone volume fraction, trabecular thickness, and trabecular number compared to the Control group (P<0.01). No obvious joint pathology was observed in the Pg group. Lung lesions: The Pg+CIA group exhibited marked alveolar inflammation, interstitial inflammatory cell infiltration, and alveolar wall thickening, with pronounced blue staining of collagen fibers. Histopathological scores and collagen area ratios were significantly higher than those of the Control, Pg, and CIA groups (P<0.05). Lung protein and mRNA expression levels of α-SMA, ColⅠ, and FN were markedly increased, and mRNA levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β were significantly elevated compared to the Control group (P<0.05). Serology: The Pg+CIA group showed significantly higher levels of CCP, Pg, and IgG compared with the Control, Pg, and CIA groups (P<0.05). ConclusionDBA/1 mice subjected to Pg infection combined with CIA exhibited pronounced symptoms and pathological features of RA-ILD, along with elevated serum anti-CCP antibody levels. This model represents a novel RA-ILD mouse model, providing a valuable experimental tool for investigating RA-ILD pathogenesis and developing new therapeutics, and serves as a basis for establishing anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (ACPA)-positive RA-ILD animal models.
3.Analysis of influencing factors of adverse reactions in whole blood donation in Jinan
Na HU ; Qiang ZHANG ; Xiyuan WANG ; Bing FAN ; Mengmin JIN ; Weidong HE
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(1):76-82
Objective: To explore the distribution characteristics and influencing factors of adverse reactions in whole blood donation in Jinan, Shandong, so as to provide evidence for the prevention and control of such adverse reactions in this region. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on whole blood donors and adverse reaction cases in Jinan during 2023. To explore influencing factors of adverse reactions, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to examine the relationships between adverse reactions and factors such as gender, age, donation organization mode, donation frequency, donation volume, time slot, and health examination results. Results: A total of 122 961 whole blood donations were recorded in Jinan in 2023. Donation-related adverse reactions occurred in 2 054 cases, with an incidence rate of 1.67%. Univariate analysis revealed significant differences in the incidence of adverse reactions across donor characteristics: the rate was higher in females (2.35%, 921/39 192) than in males (1.35%, 1 133/83 769), donors aged 18-25 years had the highest incidence (3.48%, 1 799/51 733), the incidence in group donations (3.13%, 1,737/55 534) was significantly higher than in individual donations (0.47%, 317/67 427), and insufficient blood collection was closely associated with adverse reactions (all P<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified group donation, female gender, and a pulse rate of 81-99 beats per minute as risk factors for adverse reactions (all P<0.001), while systolic blood pressure of 116-139 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure of 76-89 mmHg were protective factors (all P<0.05). Compared to younger and lower-weight donor groups, older and higher-weight donors had a significantly lower risk of adverse reactions (all P<0.05). Donors giving 400 mL had a higher risk than those giving 200 mL (P<0.001). In addition, compared with the donation time slot of 7:00-8:59, the risk of adverse reactions was significantly higher during 9:00-16:59, with the time slot of 13:00-14:59 showing the most prominent risk (all P<0.05). However, no statistically significant difference was observed between the time slot of 17:00-20:59 and that of 7:00-8:59 (P>0.05). The primary clinical manifestation of adverse reactions was donation-related vasovagal reaction, with mental tension being the leading precipitating factor, accounting for 69.08% (1 419/2 054) of cases. Conclusion: The occurrence of adverse reactions in whole blood donation in the Jinan is influenced by multiple factors, including donor demographic characteristics, donation organization mode, physiological indicators, and time of donation. It is recommended to enhance the identification and intervention for high-risk groups, and optimize donation processes and service models to reduce the incidence of adverse reactions, thereby ensuring donor safety and blood quality.
4.Predictive modle for violence risk in hospitalized schizophrenia patients based on support vector machine
Huan LIU ; Peifang SHI ; Kun ZHANG ; Li KANG ; Yan ZHANG ; Long NA ; Binhong WANG ; Meiqing HE
Sichuan Mental Health 2026;39(1):27-35
BackgroundThe violent aggressive behaviors of patients with schizophrenia usually have the characteristics of suddenness, unpredictability, high severity, and great difficulty in prevention. Early identification and accurate assessment of their risk of violent aggression have significant clinical significance. ObjectiveTo construct a predictive model for the violence risk in hospitalized patients with schizophrenia, to identify the key factors influencing the occurrence of violent behavior in these patients, so as to provide references for clinical precise quantitative assessment and early intervention. MethodsA total of 200 patients with schizophrenia who were hospitalized at Taiyuan Psychiatric Hospital from March 2022 to September 2024 and met the diagnostic criteria of the International Classification of Diseases, eleventh edition (ICD-11) were collected to form the modeling cohort. They were randomly divided into a training set (n=140) and a test set (n=60) at a ratio of 7∶3. Based on the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression algorithm, the feature variables were screened and dimension-reduced. The support vector machine (SVM) from machine learning was selected for model training and prediction. The discrimination efficacy of the model was evaluated by the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC), accuracy, precision, sensitivity, specificity, F1 value, and Brier value. ResultsLASSO regression screening identified 16 feature variables. Pearson correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between prior violent behavior frequency and clinical psychiatric symptom scores (r=0.580, P<0.01), a positive correlation between hospitalization compliance and current disease status (r=0.550, P=0.003), and a positive correlation between educational level and family per capita monthly income (r=0.367, P<0.01). The SVM model achieved an AUC of 0.853, accuracy of 0.800, precision of 0.810, sensitivity of 0.895, specificity of 0.636, F1 value of 0.850, and Brier value of 0.168. ConclusionThe SVM model has a relatively high level of applicability and overall predictive performance in the assessment of violent risk in schizophrenia patients, which is helpful for the early identification of violent risks in such patients. [Funded by Specialized Research Project for Enhancing the Competence of Health Professionals in Taiyuan City (number, Y2023006)]
5.Current status of eating behaviors and its predictive role in overweight and obese of adolescents
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(1):53-57
Objective:
To explore the current status and influencing factors of eating behaviors in adolescents, so as to provide a theoretical foundation for health promotion education among adolescents.
Methods:
Based on the database from Survey of Chinese Family Health Index (2021), by a random number table method, 1 065 teenagers were selected from the provincial capitals of 22 provinces and 5 autonomous regions in China, as well as 4 municipalities directly under the central government. A general characteristic questionnaire, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Short Form of the Family Health Scale (FHS-SF), 10-item Short Version of the Big Five Personality(BFP-10), Content-based Media Exposure Scale (CM-E) and Sakata Eating Behavior Scale Short Form(EBS-SF) were used to collect information. Multivariate stepwise linear regression analysis was employed to identify and analyze related factors of eating behaviors among adolescents. Receiver operating characteristic was used to validate the predictive ability of the EBS-SF score for overweight and obesity among adolescents.
Results:
The average scores of BFI-10,C-ME, FHS-SF, PHQ-9 and EBS-SF were (33.08±4.64)(19.20±4.55)(38.48±6.65)(6.09±5.63)(16.75±4.36), respectively. Multivariate linear regression showed that family type (other types), agreeableness, conscientiousness, family health and depression were the main related factors of EBS-SF scores among adolescents( B =2.61,-0.42,0.20,-0.11,0.23, P <0.05).The analysis of receiver operating characteristic curve showed that the EBS-SF scores had a good ability in predicting obesity among male adolescents ( AUC= 0.73, P <0.01).
Conclusions
Family type, big five personality, family health,depression are the related factors of eating behaviors among adolescents. EBS-SF scores are predictive of obesity in adolescents, which would provide a new perspective for promoting healthy eating habits among adolescents.
6.Oxylipidomics Combined with Transcriptomics Reveals Mechanism of Jianpi Huogu Prescription in Treating Steroid-induced Osteonecrosis of Femoral Head in Rats
Lili WANG ; Qun LI ; Zhixing HU ; Qianqian YAN ; Liting XU ; Xiaoxiao WANG ; Chunyan ZHU ; Yanqiong ZHANG ; Weiheng CHEN ; Haijun HE ; Chunfang LIU ; Na LIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):190-199
ObjectiveTo unveil the mechanism of Jianpi Huogu prescription (JPHGP) in ameliorating the dyslipidemia of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femur head (SONFH) by oxylipidomics combined with transcriptomics. MethodsSixty SD rats were assigned into normal, model, low-, medium-, and high-dose (2.5, 5, 10 g·kg-1, respectively) JPHGP, and Jiangushengwan (1.53 g·kg-1) groups. Lipopolysaccharide was injected into the tail vein at a dose of 20 μg·kg-1 on days 1 and 2, and methylprednisolone sodium succinate was injected at a dose of 40 mg·kg-1 into the buttock muscle on days 3 to 5. The normal group received an equal volume of normal saline. Drug administration by gavage began 4 weeks after the last injection, and samples were taken after administration for 8 weeks. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was conducted to reveal the histopathological changes of the femoral head, and the number of adipocytes, the rate of empty bone lacunae, and the trabecular area were calculated. Micro-computed tomography was used for revealing the histological and histomorphometrical changes of the femoral head. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the serum levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1), and apolipoprotein B (ApoB). At the same time, the femoral head was collected for oxylipidomic and transcriptomic detection. The differential metabolites and differential genes were enriched and analyzed, and the target genes regulating lipid metabolism were predicted. The predicted target proteins were further verified by molecular docking, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showcased thinning of the femoral head, trabecular fracture, karyopyknosis, subchondral cystic degeneration, increases in the number of adipocytes and the rate of empty bone lacunae (P<0.01), a reduction in the trabecular area (P<0.01), decreases in BMD, Tb.Th, Tb.N, and BV/TV, and increases in Tb.Sp and BS/BV (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the JPHGP groups showed no obvious thinning of the femoral head or subchondroidal cystic degeneration. The high- and medium-dose JPHGP groups presented declines in the number of adipocytes and the rate of empty bone lacunae, an increase in the trabecular area (P<0.05, P<0.01), rises in BMD, Tb.Th, Tb.N, and BV/TV, and decreases in Tb.Sp and BS/BV (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the normal group, the model group showcased raised serum levels of TG, TC, LDL, and ApoB and lowered serum levels of HDL and ApoA1 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the JPHGP groups had lowered serum levels of TG, TC, LDL, and ApoB (P<0.05, P<0.01) and a risen serum level of ApoA1 (P<0.05, P<0.01). Moreover, the serum level of HDL in the high-dose JPHGP group increased (P<0.01). A total of 19 different metabolites of disease set and drug set were screened out by oxylipidomics of the femoral head, and 119 core genes with restored expression were detected by transcriptomics. The enriched pathways were mainly concentrated in inflammation, lipids, apoptosis, and osteoclast differentiation. Molecular docking, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot results showed that compared with the normal group, the model group displayed increased content of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) in the femoral head (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, medium- and high-dose JPHGP reduced the content of 5-LO and PPARγ (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionJPHGP can restore the levels of oxidized lipid metabolites by regulating the 5-LO-PPARγ axis to treat SONFH in rats. Relevant studies provide experimental evidence for the efficacy mechanism of JPHGP in the treatment of SONFH.
7.Oxylipidomics Combined with Transcriptomics Reveals Mechanism of Jianpi Huogu Prescription in Treating Steroid-induced Osteonecrosis of Femoral Head in Rats
Lili WANG ; Qun LI ; Zhixing HU ; Qianqian YAN ; Liting XU ; Xiaoxiao WANG ; Chunyan ZHU ; Yanqiong ZHANG ; Weiheng CHEN ; Haijun HE ; Chunfang LIU ; Na LIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):190-199
ObjectiveTo unveil the mechanism of Jianpi Huogu prescription (JPHGP) in ameliorating the dyslipidemia of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femur head (SONFH) by oxylipidomics combined with transcriptomics. MethodsSixty SD rats were assigned into normal, model, low-, medium-, and high-dose (2.5, 5, 10 g·kg-1, respectively) JPHGP, and Jiangushengwan (1.53 g·kg-1) groups. Lipopolysaccharide was injected into the tail vein at a dose of 20 μg·kg-1 on days 1 and 2, and methylprednisolone sodium succinate was injected at a dose of 40 mg·kg-1 into the buttock muscle on days 3 to 5. The normal group received an equal volume of normal saline. Drug administration by gavage began 4 weeks after the last injection, and samples were taken after administration for 8 weeks. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was conducted to reveal the histopathological changes of the femoral head, and the number of adipocytes, the rate of empty bone lacunae, and the trabecular area were calculated. Micro-computed tomography was used for revealing the histological and histomorphometrical changes of the femoral head. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the serum levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1), and apolipoprotein B (ApoB). At the same time, the femoral head was collected for oxylipidomic and transcriptomic detection. The differential metabolites and differential genes were enriched and analyzed, and the target genes regulating lipid metabolism were predicted. The predicted target proteins were further verified by molecular docking, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showcased thinning of the femoral head, trabecular fracture, karyopyknosis, subchondral cystic degeneration, increases in the number of adipocytes and the rate of empty bone lacunae (P<0.01), a reduction in the trabecular area (P<0.01), decreases in BMD, Tb.Th, Tb.N, and BV/TV, and increases in Tb.Sp and BS/BV (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the JPHGP groups showed no obvious thinning of the femoral head or subchondroidal cystic degeneration. The high- and medium-dose JPHGP groups presented declines in the number of adipocytes and the rate of empty bone lacunae, an increase in the trabecular area (P<0.05, P<0.01), rises in BMD, Tb.Th, Tb.N, and BV/TV, and decreases in Tb.Sp and BS/BV (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the normal group, the model group showcased raised serum levels of TG, TC, LDL, and ApoB and lowered serum levels of HDL and ApoA1 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the JPHGP groups had lowered serum levels of TG, TC, LDL, and ApoB (P<0.05, P<0.01) and a risen serum level of ApoA1 (P<0.05, P<0.01). Moreover, the serum level of HDL in the high-dose JPHGP group increased (P<0.01). A total of 19 different metabolites of disease set and drug set were screened out by oxylipidomics of the femoral head, and 119 core genes with restored expression were detected by transcriptomics. The enriched pathways were mainly concentrated in inflammation, lipids, apoptosis, and osteoclast differentiation. Molecular docking, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot results showed that compared with the normal group, the model group displayed increased content of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) in the femoral head (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, medium- and high-dose JPHGP reduced the content of 5-LO and PPARγ (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionJPHGP can restore the levels of oxidized lipid metabolites by regulating the 5-LO-PPARγ axis to treat SONFH in rats. Relevant studies provide experimental evidence for the efficacy mechanism of JPHGP in the treatment of SONFH.
8.Da Chaihutang for Treatment of Sepsis with Yang Syndrome:A Randomized Controlled Trial
Na HUANG ; Guangmei CHEN ; Xingyu KAO ; Zhen YANG ; Weixian XU ; Kang YUAN ; Junna LEI ; Jingli CHEN ; Mingfeng HE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):55-63
ObjectiveTo explore the clinical efficacy and safety of Da Chaihutang (DCH) for the treatment of sepsis with Yang syndrome. MethodsA total of 70 patients suffering from sepsis with Yang syndrome were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, with 35 cases in each group. They both received standard Western medicine treatment. The observation group was additionally given a dose of DCH, which was boiled into 100 mL and taken twice. The control group was additionally given an equal volume and dosage of warm water. The intervention lasted for three days. The 28-day all-cause mortality and the changes in the following indicators before and after intervention were compared between the two groups, including sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA), acute physiology and chronic health evaluation Ⅱ (APACHE Ⅱ) score,white blood cell (WBC),the percentage of neutrophils (NEU%),C-reactive protein (CRP),procalcitonin (PCT),alanine transaminase (ALT),aspartate transaminase (AST),total bilirubin (TBil),creatinine (Cr),blood urea nitrogen (BUN),acute gastrointestinal injury (AGI) grade,gastrointestinal dysfunction score (GDS),serum intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (iFABP), citrulline (CR),platelet (PLT),prothrombin time(PT),activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT),fibrinogen (Fib),international normalized ratio (INR),and D-dimer (D-D). ResultsThere was no significant difference between the two groups regarding 28-day all-cause mortality. After the intervention,SOFA,WBC,PCT,and Cr were significantly decreased, and PLT was significantly increased in the control group (P<0.05). SOFA,APACHE Ⅱ,NEU%,CRP,PCT,ALT,AST,Cr,BUN,AGI grade,GDS,and serum iFABP and CR were significantly improved in the observation group (P<0.05). After the intervention,APACHE Ⅱ,PCT,AGI grade,GDS,and serum iFABP in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group ,while CR and PLT were higher (P<0.05,P<0.01). There were significant differences regarding the gap of SOFA,APACHE Ⅱ,AST,TBil,AGI grade,GDS,iFABP,CR, and PLT between the two groups (P<0.05,P<0.01). There were slight differences regarding PT,APTT,Fib,INR,and D-D between the two groups,which were in the clinical normal range. ConclusionOn the basis of Western medicine, DCH helped to reduce sepsis severity and improved multiple organ dysfunction with high clinical efficacy and safety, but further research on its impact on the prognosis of patients with sepsis is still required.
9.Influencing factors of neonatal red blood cell transfusion: a retrospective analysis
Na ZHOU ; Xin HE ; Yu SI ; Chen HOU ; Jialu CHEN ; Zhaohui TANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(3):375-381
[Objective] To analyze the effects of different factors and red blood cell transfusion thresholds on the efficacy of neonatal red blood cell (RBC) transfusion, in order to provide more references for neonatal transfusions to better achieve rational and effective blood use. [Methods] A retrospective collection of data from 282 neonates who received RBC transfusions at our hospital from 2022 to 2023 was conducted, including birth weight, gestational age, number of blood transfusions, length of hospital stay, assisted ventilation during RBC transfusion, and laboratory test results before and after transfusion. SPSS software was used for statistical analysis to comprehensively analyze the impact of different factors on the efficacy of RBC transfusion in neonates. [Results] The results showed that the gestational age and weight of newborns at birth were negatively correlated with their length of hospital stay and the number of RBC transfusions during hospitalization. Newborns with younger gestational age and lower weight had longer hospital stays and more RBC transfusions during hospitalization. After administering RBCs according to the standard of 15 mL/kg, there was a statistically significant difference in the efficacy of RBC transfusion at different transfusion thresholds. In non-critical situations, RBC transfusions were ineffective when the pre-transfusion hemoglobin (Hb) level was >120 g/L. When the pre-transfusion Hb level was ≤70 g/L, RBC transfusions achieved higher efficacy in both critical and non-critical situations. [Conclusion] In critical situations, the group with pre-transfusion Hb values ≤ 70 g/L has the best RBC transfusion effect, while in non-critical situations, the group with pre-transfusion Hb levels between 81 and 90 g/L has the best RBC transfusion effect. Overall, the efficacy of RBC transfusion in non-critical situations is higher than that in critical situations.
10.Molecular mechanisms and cancer-promoting roles of sodium arsenite in regulating FNDC3B expression in A549 cells
Jinyun JIANG ; He MA ; Na LIU ; Ruihuan ZHAO ; Chenglan JIANG ; Yuefeng HE
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(6):691-698
Background Arsenic exposure has been demonstrated to induce apoptosis. The fibronectin type III structural domain 3B protein (FNDC3B) has been shown to promote cancer cell proliferation; however, its role in arsenic-induced apoptosis remains to be elucidated. Objective To investigate the effects of sodium arsenite (NaAsO2) and its metabolites on the expression of FNDC3B gene in A549 cells and to understand the function of FNDC3B gene in A549 cells. Methods (1) A549 cells were exposed to varying final concentrations of NaAsO2 and their optical density at 450 nm values were measured by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) after 48 h. Survival curves were plotted, and a final exposure dose was selected according to the survival rate. Total protein and RNA were extracted by exposing A549 cells to high (30 µmol·L−1), medium (20 µmol·L−1), and low (10 µmol·L−1) NaAsO2 concentrations, high (30 µmol·L−1) monomethylarsinic acid (MMA), and high (30 µmol·L−1) dimethylarsinic acid for a period of 48 h. mRNA expression and the protein expression of the FNDC3B gene was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot (WB), while the protein ubiquitination expression of the FNDC3B gene was detected by co-immunoprecipitation (CO-IP) and WB assay. (2) Knockdown of FNDC3B gene expression was achieved in A549 cells by siRNA interference. The si-FNDC3B fragment was transfected in A549 cells for 48 h. The mRNA and protein expression of FNDC3B gene was then detected by qRT-PCR and WB assay. Cell viability was determined through CCK-8 assay. Hoechst 33342/propidium iodide (PI) double staining and JC-1 mitochondrial membrane potential assay were employed to detect both early and late apoptosis, while cleaved caspase3 protein and P53 signalling pathway related protein expressions were evaluated by WB. Results (1) The CCK-8 results demonstrated a decline in the viability of A549 cells with an increase in NaAsO2 concentration, with an inhibitory concentration at 50% of 38.12 µmol·L−1. The qRT-PCR results demonstrated that compared to the control group, varying concentrations of NaAsO₂ (10, 20, and 30 µmol·L⁻¹) significantly upregulated the mRNA expression of FNDC3B gene (P<0.01). In contrast, MMA and DMA showed no significant effect on FNDC3B mRNA expression (P>0.05). The WB analysis revealed that the protein expression of FNDC3B was reduced in the NaAsO₂-treated group compared to the control, accompanied by elevated ubiquitination levels of FNDC3B protein, particularly at the K48 ubiquitination site. MMA and DMA exhibited no impact on FNDC3B protein expression. (2) Following the specific knockdown of FNDC3B expression in A549 cells, the CCK-8 assay demonstrated a significant reduction in cell viability in the silenced FNDC3B group (si-FNDC3B) compared to the control group. The JC-1 assay demonstrated that the mitochondrial membrane potential was diminished in the si-FNDC3B group relative to the control group. The Hoechst 33342/PI staining assay revealed that the si-FNDC3B group exhibited a notable degree of apoptosis. The si-FNDC3B group also displayed substantial apoptosis. The WB analysis indicated that the relative expressions of cleaved caspase3, P53, MDM2, Bad, and Bax proteins were elevated in the si-FNDC3B group in comparison to the control group. Conclusion The presence of NaAsO2 is observed to promote the ubiquitination expression of the FNDC3B protein, which in turn reduces the expression of FNDC3B protein. However, the main metabolites DMA and MMA have no effect on the expression of FNDC3B. Furthermore, the silencing of FNDC3B is observed to inhibit the viability of A549 cells and promote apoptosis, a phenomenon related to the activation of P53 signaling pathway.


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